Vancouver, BC The Oppenheimer Group is getting a little greener, thanks to a promotion in the Emerald City.
Rachel Pagano, sales representative in Oppenheimer’s Seattle office, was elevated to the role of category manager, organics, on August 1.
Pagano, who joined Oppenheimer in 2005 as a sales assistant, and was promoted to a sales representative role two years later, has dedicated her energies to this area of Oppenheimer’s business since her career began, establishing herself as the company’s top organic sales person.
“The organic lifestyle choice was important to me long before I joined the produce industry,” she said. “I’ve naturally been drawn to Oppenheimer’s highly skilled organic growers, as well as the wholesalers and retailers in the organic sector who are truly passionate about bringing the best organics to their customers. I found myself focusing on Oppenheimer organics and realizing how much room we had to grow.”
Pagano said that Oppenheimer’s current organic category is modest, representing roughly five percent of the full-service marketing and distribution company’s annual inventory. Key products include OriginO tomatoes and cucumbers, ZESPRI® organic kiwifruit, ENZA organic apples, Divemex organic Fair Trade Certified™ peppers, as well as organically grown pears, mangoes and grapes.
“Organics represent a strategic opportunity for us,” she said. “With organic produce showing double digit growth, the time is right for us to explore new programs and initiatives. I am excited to bring that same level of passion, integrity and commitment I have for my organic customers and our growers to the larger organic community. By embedding Oppenheimer more deeply there, we can build distribution and supply, serving both our growers and our customers better.”
While focusing her efforts on organics, Pagano will continue in her role as a sales representative.
“Rachel is the ideal person to drive Oppenheimer’s organic program,” said David Smith, the company’s senior vice president, North American sales. “She’s ardent about the organic lifestyle — she definitely walks the talk. Her authenticity and knowledge make her very effective with growers and customers alike.”
Organic items currently available from Oppenheimer are OriginO tomatoes and ZESPRI® organic kiwifruit.
Source: The Oppenheimer Group